Asymmetric Foldable Hinge Mechanism for Reduced Display Creasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable electronic devices with symmetric hinge mechanisms result in large crease widths on flexible displays, negatively impacting user experience due to increased light and shadow issues and risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric hinge mechanism with a base and main hinge module, featuring first and second rotating components that form a triangular display accommodating space, reducing the crease width and preventing squeezing of the flexible display, while allowing for a simplified structure design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a symmetric hinge mechanism is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the crease width of the flexible display becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the first and second rotating components with different structures. The first rotating component includes a first support plate with a first plate surface, while the second rotating component includes a second support plate with a second plate surface. These components are positioned at different angles relative to the base, creating an asymmetric display accommodating space that reduces the crease width of the flexible display while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a symmetric hinge mechanism is used, then the device structure is simplified, but light and shadow issues on the flexible display increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric arrangement of the first and second rotating components creates an optimized display accommodating space that improves light and shadow quality. The first plate surface and second plate surface are positioned at different angles, allowing better light distribution across the flexible display when folded, thereby reducing unwanted shadows while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing specific regions of the hinge mechanism. The first support plate and second support plate are designed with different characteristics to address local lighting issues in the display accommodating space, improving illumination quality in critical areas without requiring complete redesign of the entire hinge mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If a symmetric hinge mechanism is used, then the structure design is straightforward, but the risk of flexible display damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric design of the rotating components creates a more effective display accommodating space that better protects the flexible display. The different angles and configurations of the first and second support plates distribute mechanical stress more evenly during folding and unfolding, reducing the risk of display damage while maintaining reasonable design simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The hinge mechanism includes a base and a main hinge module. The base includes a support surface for supporting a flexible display. The main hinge module includes a first rotating component and a second rotating component disposed on two opposite sides of the base. The first rotating component includes a first support plate, and the first support plate includes a first plate surface for supporting the flexible display. The second rotating component includes a second support plate, and the second support plate includes a second plate surface for supporting the flexible display. When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, an included angle between the first plate surface and a bearing surface is less than an included angle between the second plate surface and the bearing surface, to form display accommodating space between the first plate surface, the second plate surface, and the bearing surface.